Rosemary Gemelli Crunch with Lemon Peas
Golden gemelli gets tossed with lemony peas, rosemary, and crisp breadcrumbs for a bright side dish with real texture.
Prep: 10 · Cook: 15 · Total: 25 · Serves: 6 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.7/5 (96 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
Inspired by lemony spring pasta, herb breadcrumbs, and the bright sides served with Sunday suppers.
Story
Casey keeps this side in the back pocket for nights when the main dish needs a little lift. The peas stay sweet, the lemon keeps the butter bright, and the breadcrumbs add the crunch everyone reaches for. Gemelli catches the sauce in all its twists. It is simple enough for a Tuesday and cheerful enough for company.
By Casey
Ingredients
- 8 ounces gemelli pasta
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and set a skillet over medium heat for the breadcrumb topping.
- Add the panko and olive oil to the skillet and toast for 3 minutes until golden, then stir in half the rosemary.
- Cook the gemelli according to the package directions, adding the peas during the final 2 minutes.
- Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the gemelli and peas.
- Melt the butter in the pot, add the garlic and remaining rosemary, then toss in the pasta, peas, lemon zest, juice, and Parmesan.
- Loosen with pasta water as needed, shower with the toasted breadcrumbs and parsley, and serve warm.
Chef Tips
- Toast the breadcrumbs until they are a shade darker than you think you need because they soften slightly on the pasta.
- Fresh rosemary is strongest, but 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary works in a pinch.
- Reserve pasta water before draining so the lemon butter sauce stays silky.
- Add grilled chicken or white beans to turn the side into a light lunch.
Cook's Notes
- **Breadcrumbs:** Keep them moving in the skillet so they toast evenly.
- **Lemon:** Zest before juicing for the cleanest flavor.
- **Serving:** Add the crunch at the table if the pasta will sit for more than 10 minutes.